West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana — County Report Card

LA

#9 in Louisiana
65.8
County Score
Safety 88.5Property Tax 84.2Income & Jobs 76.2

County Report Card

About West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana

Exceptional Quality of Life Standards

West Feliciana Parish earns a composite score of 65.8, decisively beating the national median of 50.0. It is a premier destination for those seeking a high standard of living.

Leading the State Ranking

At 65.8, West Feliciana sits well above the state average of 53.0. It serves as a benchmark for what successful development looks like in Louisiana.

A Triple Threat of Safety, Schools, and Wealth

The parish scores high across the board, led by a Safety Score of 88.5 and an Income Score of 76.2. A School Score of 74.5 ensures that it remains a top choice for families prioritizing education.

Navigating Higher Real Estate Costs

The Cost Score of 34.0 is the only significant low point, driven by a median home value of $263,200. Quality of life here comes with a higher price tag than in neighboring parishes.

The Verdict: The Top Choice for Families

West Feliciana is the go-to parish for families who want safe streets, great schools, and high household incomes. It is ideally suited for professionals who can afford its premium housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax84.2Cost34Safety88.5Health56.6Schools74.5Income76.2Risk65.3Water62.8Weather24.8
🏛84.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠34
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼76.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡88.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
56.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓74.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
65.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧62.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤24.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨56.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱43.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in West Feliciana Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in West Feliciana Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

West Feliciana Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in West Feliciana Parish

via TaxByCounty

West Feliciana taxes at roughly half national average

West Feliciana Parish's 0.516% effective tax rate remains well below the national median, placing it in the lowest 30% of U.S. counties. While American homeowners typically pay around $2,690 annually, West Feliciana residents on median-value homes pay $1,359—about half that burden.

Above-average taxes within Louisiana

West Feliciana Parish's 0.516% effective rate exceeds Louisiana's state average of 0.421%, ranking it in the upper half of the state's parishes. It reflects higher demand for local services and school funding compared to more rural parishes.

One of the region's higher-taxed parishes

West Feliciana's 0.516% rate exceeds most neighboring parishes, including West Baton Rouge (0.591%) which is slightly higher. It ranks above Vermilion (0.337%), Washington (0.350%), Winn (0.315%), and West Carroll (0.204%) by significant margins.

Median annual tax bill reaches $1,359

On West Feliciana's median home value of $263,200, property owners pay approximately $1,359 per year in property taxes. After accounting for homestead exemptions and deductions, the typical household's tax obligation averages around $1,038 annually.

Appeal your assessment if value seems excessive

West Feliciana homeowners facing substantial tax bills should request a review of their assessed values compared to recent comparable sales. Filing an assessment appeal with the parish assessor can yield significant savings if your property has been overvalued.

Cost of Living in West Feliciana Parish

via CostByCounty

West Feliciana balances income and costs

West Feliciana Parish renters spend 16.1% of their median income on rent—a favorable ratio that reflects both reasonable housing costs and above-average earnings of $74,277. This income level matches the national median almost exactly, creating natural affordability.

Strong performer statewide

West Feliciana Parish's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Louisiana's state average of 19.5% by 3.4 percentage points, ranking it among the state's most affordable rental markets. The parish achieves this through a combination of reasonable rents and solid household incomes.

Premium pricing, premium incomes

West Feliciana Parish commands the highest median rent of $998 and second-highest median home values of $263,200 in the eight-parish sample, yet maintains strong affordability through median income of $74,277. The parish attracts higher-income households seeking quality housing and amenities.

Premium housing on premium income

West Feliciana renters dedicate 16.1% of their $74,277 annual income to the $998 median rent, leaving roughly $62,500 for other expenses. Homeowners invest $909 monthly, representing 14.7% of income—reasonable for a parish offering the region's highest home values.

Ideal for upscale relocation

West Feliciana Parish suits professionals and established families earning near or above national median incomes, offering quality housing stock and strong community amenities. The parish delivers Louisiana's best housing affordability for higher-income households seeking premium options.

Income & Jobs in West Feliciana Parish

via IncomeByCounty

West Feliciana nearly matches national median

West Feliciana Parish households earn $74,277 annually, nearly matching the U.S. median of $74,755—just $478 behind. This strong performance ranks the parish among the nation's middle-to-upper income areas and reflects professional employment and higher educational attainment.

Well above Louisiana average

West Feliciana Parish's $74,277 median household income exceeds Louisiana's state average of $55,250 by $19,027, placing it among the state's most prosperous parishes. The advantage reflects skilled workforce concentration and tourism-related professional services.

Second highest among peer group

West Feliciana Parish ($74,277) trails only West Baton Rouge Parish ($87,320) by $13,043, substantially outpacing all other regional peers including Vermilion Parish ($57,537) and Vernon Parish ($58,281). Its position underscores educated workforce and professional economy.

Housing remains affordable despite values

West Feliciana Parish maintains a healthy 16.1% rent-to-income ratio despite median home values of $263,200, the highest in the group. The 3.5x income multiplier for homes is elevated but manageable given strong household earnings and reflects the parish's desirable residential character.

Optimize your professional advantage

West Feliciana's strong income positions residents to aggressively fund retirement accounts, explore real estate investments, and diversify holdings. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to structure tax-efficient strategies—your income level unlocks compound growth opportunities that can accelerate generational wealth accumulation.

Safety in West Feliciana Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Near-Perfect Safety Score

West Feliciana Parish reports a low total crime rate of 247.5 per 100,000, earning it a safety score of 99.6. This rate is nearly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Far Above State Norms

At 99.6, the parish's safety score is significantly higher than the Louisiana average of 97.1. It stands as a model of public safety within the state's diverse landscape.

Stark Contrast to Neighbors

West Feliciana is dramatically safer than its neighbor West Baton Rouge, which has a crime rate over ten times higher. However, data comes from a single reporting agency, suggesting a cautious interpretation.

Low Theft and Burglary

Violent crime is reported at 156.3 per 100,000, while property crime is even lower at 91.2. These figures suggest a community where physical safety is high and property theft is rare.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Because data from a single agency can be limited, staying proactive about home security is always a wise choice. A well-lit exterior and a neighborly eye help maintain this parish's peaceful reputation.

Health in West Feliciana Parish

via HealthByCounty

Matching U.S. life expectancy

West Feliciana Parish residents live to 73.7 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Just 19.8% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among the eight parishes, reflecting strong overall health.

Above Louisiana's state average

At 73.7 years, West Feliciana Parish outperforms Louisiana's 72.5-year average by 1.2 years. With only 19.8% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest among all parishes examined—the parish stands among Louisiana's healthiest communities.

Second-best health outcomes regionally

West Feliciana Parish's 73.7-year life expectancy trails only West Baton Rouge Parish (74.5) and matches national averages. At 19.8% poor/fair health, it has the best health profile among all eight parishes in this analysis.

Low uninsured rate, adequate providers

West Feliciana Parish has only 5.3% uninsured—the second-lowest rate in the group and well below the state's 8.1% average. With 52 primary care and 111 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the parish combines strong coverage and accessible care.

Sustain the health advantage

West Feliciana's exceptional health outcomes flow partly from high insurance coverage at 5.3% uninsured. Keep this momentum by maintaining annual enrollment and encouraging remaining uninsured residents to check eligibility at louisiana.gov/dhh.

Schools in West Feliciana Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success in West Feliciana

West Feliciana Parish features a highly focused school system with just four public schools serving 2,245 students. This includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This concentrated infrastructure allows for targeted resources and a clear path for students as they grow.

Top-Tier Performance and Funding

The parish achieves a graduation rate of 92.0%, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. With a school score of 59.8 and a high per-pupil expenditure of $9,397, West Feliciana is one of the better-funded and higher-performing districts in Louisiana. These results demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence.

Focused District Governance

A single district, West Feliciana Parish, manages all 2,245 students across its four campuses. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's focus and funding entirely on its traditional public schools. Bains Elementary is the largest school, anchoring the district with 803 students.

A Rural, Close-Knit School District

All four schools are situated in rural settings, offering a peaceful and focused educational environment. The average school size is 561 students, which is higher than many neighbors but still allows for a community feel. The system is anchored by West Feliciana High, which serves 650 students in a modern rural setting.

Elite Education in a Rural Setting

West Feliciana Parish combines high academic performance with the beauty of rural Louisiana. With excellent funding and a 92% graduation rate, it is a premier choice for families looking to buy a home. Explore the area to find properties near these high-achieving, rural campuses.

Disaster Risk in West Feliciana Parish

via RiskByCounty

West Feliciana well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 34.73 and very low risk rating, West Feliciana Parish sits substantially below the national average. The parish benefits from an inland position that limits exposure to coastal hazards.

Lower-risk parish in Louisiana

West Feliciana's composite score of 34.73 places it among Louisiana's safer parishes, well below the state average of 62.37. The parish avoids the elevated risks concentrated in coastal regions and tornado-prone northern areas.

Safer than surrounding parishes

West Feliciana's risk level is notably lower than neighboring East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes, offering greater protection across multiple hazard types. The parish's flood risk of 31.46 is among the lowest in south-central Louisiana.

Tornado and hurricane risks moderate

West Feliciana's most notable threats are tornado risk (64.95) and hurricane risk (78.22), though both remain below statewide averages. Flood and wildfire risks are relatively low at 31.46 and 37.63 respectively, creating an unusually balanced hazard profile.

Tornado preparedness and wind coverage key

West Feliciana residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes wind coverage and identify a safe room for tornado season. The parish's moderate disaster profile allows standard insurance to adequately cover most risks without costly specialized additions.

Weather & Climate in West Feliciana Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rainfall in a Subtropical Zone

West Feliciana Parish is characterized by its high annual precipitation of 63.8 inches, far exceeding the U.S. average. Although specific temperature data is not listed, its humid subtropical climate is typical of the Deep South. The area remains warm and green throughout most of the year.

One of the Wettest Parishes in Louisiana

With 63.8 inches of annual rain, West Feliciana is wetter than the Louisiana average of 60.8 inches. This high rainfall total places it among the more humid and precipitation-heavy parishes in the state. Data for temperature rankings is currently unavailable for this specific location.

Similar Moisture to the Coastal Parishes

The parish matches the 63.8 inches of rain found in Washington Parish, showing a consistent belt of high moisture in this part of the state. It is significantly wetter than West Carroll Parish to the north, which sees only 58.0 inches. Snowfall data is unavailable, but it is typically rare in this region.

Dominated by Consistent Rainfall Patterns

The 63.8 inches of precipitation suggests a very active weather pattern year-round. While specific seasonal averages are not provided, residents typically experience the long, hot summers and short winters characteristic of the region. Humidity remains a constant factor due to the high rainfall levels.

Focus on Moisture Control and Drainage

Managing 63.8 inches of annual rain requires well-maintained gutters and robust home sealing to prevent mold. Since temperature data is limited, residents should follow regional trends by preparing for significant summer heat. Outdoor gear should prioritize waterproof materials for the frequent rain events.

Soil Quality in West Feliciana Parish

via SoilByCounty

The Loess Hills Heritage

West Feliciana Parish features an average pH of 5.67, placing it right near the Louisiana state average of 5.74. With a soil score of 56.3, the land is slightly above average for the state and provides a versatile base for various ecosystems. It is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the region.

Rich Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is comprised of 53.1% silt and 22.4% clay, with sand making up 19.1%. This silty-clay balance is characteristic of the bluff lands and provides a fertile, moisture-retentive medium. It offers a good compromise between drainage and nutrient storage, though it can be heavy to till.

Productive and Moisture-Rich

Organic matter content is 3.64%, which is nearly double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.181 in/in is almost exactly at the state average, ensuring that plants have reliable access to hydration. This parish offers some of the most consistent growing conditions in the region.

Stable Hydrologic Performance

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the silty composition generally allows for moderate water movement. The soil holds enough moisture to support dense forests and productive pastures without becoming easily waterlogged. Gardeners should ensure good organic cover to protect the silt from washing away during rain.

Lush Growth in Zone 9a

The warm climate of Zone 9a combined with silty, fertile soil makes West Feliciana a gardener's dream. It is an excellent environment for heirloom vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental flowering shrubs. Dig in today and enjoy the natural productivity of these historic bluff-land soils.

Lawn Care in West Feliciana Parish

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Potential in West Feliciana

West Feliciana Parish scores a 43.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it well above the Louisiana average of 33.8. This makes it one of the better locations in the state for home lawn care, despite being below the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 9a, you have a very long window for maintaining lush, warm-season turf.

Managing High Annual Rainfall

The parish receives a robust 63.8 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the ideal 30-50 inch lawn range. While temperature data for the parish is currently limited, the high rainfall suggests a need for well-draining turf systems. Keeping your grass cut high helps roots stay strong enough to handle both wet feet and summer heat.

Navigating Acidic Silt and Clay

With a soil pH of 5.67, your lawn is slightly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil is composed of 22.4% clay and 19.1% sand, which offers a good balance of moisture retention and stability. A soil test is recommended to determine exactly how much lime is needed to neutralize the acidity.

Navigating Severe Localized Drought

While much of the state is wet, 23.8% of West Feliciana is currently experiencing severe drought. The parish has spent 13 weeks in drought over the last year, and 90.4% of the area is currently abnormally dry. During these periods, prioritize watering high-visibility areas and reduce foot traffic to prevent grass damage.

Maximize the Zone 9a Season

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are the top performers for this region's high rainfall and Zone 9a climate. Since specific frost dates are not available, watching local weather for the end of February is the best way to time your spring start. Prepare your soil now with organic matter to help improve drainage before the next wet cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Feliciana Parish's county score?
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 65.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does West Feliciana Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
West Feliciana Parish ranks #9 among all counties in Louisiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in West Feliciana Parish is $1,359, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns West Feliciana Parish a tax score of 84.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in West Feliciana Parish?
The median household income in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is $74,277 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. West Feliciana Parish earns an income score of 76.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
West Feliciana Parish scores 65.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate West Feliciana Parish is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare West Feliciana Parish with other counties side by side.